Comments on: Time Philly Honored Joe Frazierhttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/12/14/time-philly-honored-joe-frazier/
24/7 Real Sports TalkMon, 20 Jul 2015 07:22:01 +0000hourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2By: Steven Keyshttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/12/14/time-philly-honored-joe-frazier/comment-page-1/#comment-15665
Steven KeysSun, 02 Jan 2011 23:23:55 +0000http://prosportsblogging.com/?p=33725#comment-15665Probably a good thing they didn’t re-name The Spectrum in honor of Joe Frazier, given it’s current state. But I appreciate the sentiment, Chris, as would Joe. Thanks for reading.
Like the former “The Mecca” in Milwaukee (US Cellular), The Spectrum was a great name for an arena. I will miss it. When the subject is the naming of a stadium or college bowl game, psychologists and savvy marketing people know that consumers identify better with non-corporate names like “Comiskey“ and “Orange Bowl” over "Chick-fil-A" or "Staples Center." Overkill in the use of naming-rights is the norm but it doesn’t have to be that way.Probably a good thing they didn’t re-name The Spectrum in honor of Joe Frazier, given it’s current state. But I appreciate the sentiment, Chris, as would Joe. Thanks for reading.

Like the former “The Mecca” in Milwaukee (US Cellular), The Spectrum was a great name for an arena. I will miss it. When the subject is the naming of a stadium or college bowl game, psychologists and savvy marketing people know that consumers identify better with non-corporate names like “Comiskey“ and “Orange Bowl” over “Chick-fil-A” or “Staples Center.” Overkill in the use of naming-rights is the norm but it doesn’t have to be that way.

]]>By: Christopher Rowehttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/12/14/time-philly-honored-joe-frazier/comment-page-1/#comment-15628
Christopher RoweSat, 01 Jan 2011 21:11:15 +0000http://prosportsblogging.com/?p=33725#comment-15628You make several excellent points about Frazier. Not a Philadelphian by birth by an adopted son of the city. I think that the Rocky statue is more a celebration of the spirit of the city than the fictional boxer himself. Perhaps boxing has one disadvantage in that there are no home stadiums. Several Phillies statues grace CBP and the Eagles have their own honorees. Detroit's Joe Louis Arena has probably housed a dozen pugilistic bouts since being re-monikered, now known for other sports who dominate its occupancy.
I would have suggested the Spectrum as a candidate for Joe Frazier Arena but now Wells Fargo has evinced naming rights for that building. Perhaps the boxing Hall of Fame is a place for Frazier to finally be recognized?
Frazier was an adopted son of the city but his public persona didn't really lend itself to celebrity. Doesn't detract from his accomplishments but if Ty Cobb or Bronco Nagursky or Chuck Bednarik were playing today, they wouldn't be media darlings either! Some have it, some don't. Ali was amazing with the media despite some perception problems with the public.
My point... those who know boxing know Frazier not because the media told them so... much like Ty Cobbs or Bob Cousy or Red Grange. Celebrity is another entity altogether.You make several excellent points about Frazier. Not a Philadelphian by birth by an adopted son of the city. I think that the Rocky statue is more a celebration of the spirit of the city than the fictional boxer himself. Perhaps boxing has one disadvantage in that there are no home stadiums. Several Phillies statues grace CBP and the Eagles have their own honorees. Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena has probably housed a dozen pugilistic bouts since being re-monikered, now known for other sports who dominate its occupancy.

I would have suggested the Spectrum as a candidate for Joe Frazier Arena but now Wells Fargo has evinced naming rights for that building. Perhaps the boxing Hall of Fame is a place for Frazier to finally be recognized?

Frazier was an adopted son of the city but his public persona didn’t really lend itself to celebrity. Doesn’t detract from his accomplishments but if Ty Cobb or Bronco Nagursky or Chuck Bednarik were playing today, they wouldn’t be media darlings either! Some have it, some don’t. Ali was amazing with the media despite some perception problems with the public.

My point… those who know boxing know Frazier not because the media told them so… much like Ty Cobbs or Bob Cousy or Red Grange. Celebrity is another entity altogether.